CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC20056 Research and Professional Practice in Psychology
Research and Professional Practice in Psychology
All details in this unit profile for PSYC20056 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
Corrections

Unit Profile Correction added on 13-04-21

The text of the first line of the task description for Assessment 3, Rapid Critical Review, is replaced with the following:
"This assessment requires you to write a rapid critical review on a topic relevant to the practice of psychology. You may develop your own topic, in consultation with the unit coordinator, or choose a topic from the list below."

General Information

Overview

In this unit you will focus on the professional ethics and standards that must be met as a registered psychologist. This unit will examine requirements for initial, and ongoing registration, and legal aspects of psychological practice and research. Opportunities for critical analysis, ethical decision making, and preliminary preparation for your internship will be provided.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Students must be enrolled in the Master of Professional Psychology

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2021

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Online Test
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
4. Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books
Weighting: 10%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback

Feedback

Completing the internship plan was challenging but very productive; This unit encouraged us to explore our options in the +1 pathway toward being a psychologist - provided me with a firm understanding.

Recommendation

Continue to include completion of an Internship plan as an assessment item.

Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback

Feedback

Reduce the amount of pre-reading.

Recommendation

Ensure students are aware of the difference between pre-reading material they need to ready fully and have a solid understanding of and that which is to build awareness and could be skimmed or saved for later.

Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback

Feedback

Change timing of unit online test.

Recommendation

If the current format of the unit is maintained the online test will be held in week 8 prior to the shift in unit focus.

Feedback from Have Your Say - student feedback

Feedback

Lectures regarding the Rapid Critical Review seemed to be rushed and out of order.

Recommendation

Discussion regarding structure of this unit will be reviewed by the Master of Professional Psychology teaching team.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Evaluate and apply relevant legislation related to psychological practice
  2. Apply the ethical principles and standards endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia
  3. Articulate and demonstrate models and approaches for continuing professional development and research.

Learning outcomes are related to core competencies stated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsychBA), program of study criteria as stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 20%
3 - Online Test - 40%
4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 20%
3 - Online Test - 40%
4 - Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Tom De Pauw Unit Coordinator
t.depauw@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Ethical Decision Making

Chapter

READ

Please refer to Moodle for a list of readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

  • 5 + 1 Internship Program    
  • Professional and collegial behaviour

Chapter

Refer to the Psychology Board of Australia website:

  • Guidelines for the 5 + 1 Internship Program
  • Guidelines for the National Psychology Examination
  • National Psychology Examination Recommended Readings
  • National Psychology Examination Curriculum
  • Policy and Procedure for Candidates who fail the exam three times
  • Ethical Guidelines for Supervision
  • Ethical guidelines for managing professional boundaries and multiple relationships
  • Ethical guidelines on the prohibition of sexual activity with clients
  • Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in rural and remote settings
  • Ethical guidelines for working with and in the media

Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

  • Clients who pose risk to self and/or others
  • Duty to report and protect

Chapter

READ

Refer to APS Ethical Guidelines:

  • Ethical guidelines for working with clients when there is a risk of serious harm to others
  • Ethical guidelines relating to clients at risk of suicide

Refer to APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines on reporting abuse and neglect, and criminal activity.


Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

  • Keeping and Accessing Records   
  • Legislation and Government Funding 

Chapter

READ

Refer to APS Code of Ethics and Ethical guidelines

  • Ethical guidelines on record keeping
  • Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in forensic context

Refer to the following also:

  • Medicare rebates for psychological services (APS website)
  • Health Practitioner Regulation National Law
  • Department of Veteran Affairs (mental health)
  • Equal Opportunity Act 2010
  • Anti-discrimination Act 1991
  • Mental Health Act

Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Working with Diversity

Chapter

READ

Refer to APS Ethical Guidelines:

  • Ethical guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
  • Ethical guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients
  • Ethical guidelines on working with sex and/or gender diverse clients
  • Ethical guidelines for psychological practice with clients with an intellectual disability
  • Ethical guidelines for psychological services involving multiple clients
  • Ethical guidelines for psychological practice in forensic contexts

Psychology Board of Australia policy for the management of notifications about single court appointed expert psychologists in family law court proceedings.

Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Developing as a Professional

Chapter

Refer to APS Guidelines:

  • Ethical guidelines on supervision

Refer to Psychology Board of Australia website:

  • Guidelines for mandatory notifications
  • Guideline on professional indemnity insurance for psychologists
  • Guidelines for continuing professional development
  • Guideline - Informing a National board about where you practise
  • Guidelines for advertising regulated health services

Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Ethical Research and Practice    

Chapter

READ

Refer to:

  • National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
  • Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018

Please refer to Moodle for any additional readings this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Preparation for Internship Program Plan Due: Week 7 Monday (26 Apr 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Online Test

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Test Due: Week 8 Wednesday (5 May 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Evidence based practice / What is a systematic review?

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Introducing Endnote and reference management

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Searching the literature

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Developing a systematic review research question

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for this week's readings.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Rapid critical review Due: Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Logbook of Practicum Hours Due: Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Preparation for Internship Program Plan

Task Description

This assessment provides you with the opportunity to prepare for the completion of your Internship Program Plan. The assessment will consist of two parts.

PART A requires you to respond to questions/considerations taken from the Psychology Board of Australia Guidelines for the 5+1 internship program

PART B requires you to respond to criteria that will be found in Section F of the Internship Program Plan (INPP-76) which relates to the core competencies to be achieved throughout your internship.

Both documents can be easily located on the Psychology Board of Australia website for your reference.

A more detailed Information Sheet will be found under the Assessment tab on Moodle in week 1.



Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Monday (26 Apr 2021) 9:00 am AEST

Upload through Assessment portal on Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Monday (10 May 2021)

Grades and feedback will be uploaded through Moodle


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Full Marking rubric will be found under Assessment Tab on Moodle in week 1.

PART A: 45 marks

  • Where am I working and what supervisory needs relate to this setting?
  • What are my professional needs and goals?
  • Do I have a career plan or path in mind?
  • Does my career plan include ultimate specialisation in an area such as counselling, clinical or, organisational psychology?
  • What types of supervision would enable me to achieve the maximum gains in learning?
  • What might I expect from supervision?
  • What is my preferred learning style and what am I looking for in a supervisor?
  • Does my proposed supervisor have the experience and skills I need? What specific skills do I need?
  • What are the payment arrangements?
  • What records and other documentation need to be kept? For example, what are reporting arrangements, including those that are part of the internship plan and other required reporting (e.g. in the workplace)?
  • What are the arrangements for supervision meeting times and for cancellations of supervision meetings? What is the availability of the supervisor(s)?
  • If a secondary supervisor has not been selected, discussion about an appropriate secondary supervisor is desirable.
  • What are expectations, rights and responsibilities of all parties?
  • What are the processes for feedback?
  • What are the policies for dealing with confidentiality and other ethical issues?

PART B: 55 marks

The competencies are:

  • Knowledge of the discipline
  • Ethical, legal and professional matters
  • Psychological assessment and measurement
  • Intervention strategies
  • Research and evaluation
  • Communication and interpersonal relationships
  • Working with people from diverse groups
  • Practice across the lifespan


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Upload through assessment portal on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate and apply relevant legislation related to psychological practice
  • Apply the ethical principles and standards endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

Your online test will be completed during class time in week 8 and is worth 40% of your overall unit grade.

The test will be made available and open in Moodle at 3:00pm AEST and automatically save and close once the allocated time has expired (unless you have done so yourself by finishing earlier).



Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Wednesday (5 May 2021) 5:00 pm AEST

Online Test completed via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (17 May 2021)

Grades and Feedback will be posted in Moodle


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The online test will include multiple choice and short answer. You will be able to use materials to assist in completing the online test if you wish. Be mindful, this will result in taking longer to answer and may place additional time pressure. 

Questions will be drawn from unit readings, lectures, and discussions over the full 7 weeks.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Through moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate and apply relevant legislation related to psychological practice
  • Apply the ethical principles and standards endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Rapid critical review

Task Description

This assessment requires you to choose one of these 5 topics:

1. Effective psychological interventions for bushfire arson.

2. Psychologists helping those with climate change anxiety.

3. Psychological benefits and downsides of growing old.

4. Psychologists helping those with eating disorders.

5. Effective psychological interventions for phobias.

Your tasks are then to:

1. Format a research question related to psychology into PICO/S format using your chosen topic. 

2. Generate domains for a literature search on your research question. 

3. Generate key words and a Rapid Review search strategy for your research question. 

4. Undertake a Rapid Review literature search for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 for your research question. 

5. Summarise and critique the found literature and answer your research question from this sample of articles. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:59 pm AEST

Upload through assessment portal on Moodle


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)

Grades and feedback will be uploaded through Moodle


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

1. Format a research question related to psychology into PICO/S format using your chosen topic. (20 marks)

2. Generate domains for a literature search on your research question. (10 marks)

3. Generate key words and a Rapid Review search strategy for your research question. (20 marks)

4. Undertake a Rapid Review literature search for the years 2018 and 2019 for your research question. (20 marks)

5. Summarise and critique the found literature and answer your research question from this sample of articles. (30 marks)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Upload through portal on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Articulate models and approaches for continuing professional development and research.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

4 Learning logs / diaries / Journal / log books

Assessment Title
Logbook of Practicum Hours

Task Description

You are required to complete your electronic logbook as required throughout the term. Your logbook will be checked during individual supervision sessions throughout the term.

You must email a copy of your electronic logbook to the Unit Coordinator by Friday of Week 12.

How to use and record information in your electronic logbook will be discussed at length during week 1.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:59 pm AEST

Email to Unit Coordinator


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)

Grade will be entered into Moodle.


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

To receive full marks for this assessment item you will be required to complete throughout the term and have available for checking at your individual supervision sessions and to email the final copy to the Unit Coordinator by Friday of Week 12.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Submission Instructions
Email to Unit Coordinator

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Articulate models and approaches for continuing professional development and research.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?